A hiking guide died in hospital yesterday, August 22, after being stung more than 50 times while trying to protect a group of 20 students from a swarm of Asian giant hornets on a hiking trail in Taitung County.

According to reports, the hiking group was traveling on the Jinshuiying Ancient Trail from Pingtung County to Taitung County when they were attacked by a swarm of Asian giant hornets (Vespa Mandarina) about 2.5 kilometers from the trailhead in Dawu Township, late Thursday afternoon.

Three people from the group were stung, including the 41-year-old guide and team leader named Hong. Mr Hong is said to have stood his ground while urging the 19 students to run. Two of the students, a 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old woman, were also stung but remained conscious.

After reaching a safe distance, the hikers called for help. Staff from the Taitung County Fire Department reached the group at around 7:00 p.m. Mr. Hong was seriously injured, having received more than 50 stitches. Paramedics administered three doses of cardiotonic while carrying Hong down the mountain, and reached the trailhead at around 10:00 p.m.

Hong was taken to Dawu Health Center and then transferred to Taitung Mackay Hospital in Taitung City. However, Hong’s condition worsened and he was pronounced dead at 2:42 a.m.

Late summer and fall are the peak months for hornet attacks in Taiwan, so hikers are urged to exercise caution when entering wilderness areas.

Read tips on surviving a hornet attack.

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